5 QUESTIONS with Arch11 co-founder E.J. Meade

Since its founding in 1993, Arch11, a Boulder-based architecture outfit, has compiled a portfolio of projects ranging from heirloom homes to high schools.

Recently, Arch11 has stepped up its restaurant design practice with work on eateries such as Oak at Fourteenth and Fate Brewing Co. in Boulder and Ignite! in Denver, and also has several other restaurant projects on the boards

The Camera conducted an interview via e-mail with co-founder E.J. Meade about these latest efforts.

The following has been edited for clarity and space.

1. What types of projects make up the current mix of your business, and how has this changed in recent years?

Our current project mix is about half commercial work and half high-end residential. In the past, our workload was heavily residential, but we are trying to be more discerning. We like the intimacy and level of detail that a house brings, but we are more selective in choosing those projects that will challenge us, allow for a level of investigation and innovation.

The commercial work we have in the studio is really great. We are completing a corporate headquarters for Pearl Izumi, an infill building in downtown Boulder (that) will be the city's first commercial building using a ground loop heating and cooling system, and a flagship store for Christy Sports, both of which fit their brands and pull architecture from just "building" to something more dynamic and specific to each of the users.

We also have several really good houses in the studio. They range from 2,000 (square feet) to 6000 (square feet), but each is a unique investigation into form and site.

2. Did restaurants previously have this much of a play in Arch11's portfolio?

We've always had a single restaurant in the office, currently there are six. Most of this is produced in our Denver studio, but there are one or two specific restaurants we are working on in the Boulder studio

3. How did the most recent recession affect Arch11?

As other firms were contracting, we actually hired architects during 2009. We were very fortunate to have been awarded a public library design for Park County as the private sector unraveled. That was a large project and monies had already been allotted for a design budget. Unfortunately, the state rescinded funding for the project construction. But between that and small residential work, we survived.

4. What actions did your firm take to survive and sustain itself?

We did what we do best, focused our attention of making sure our work was conscientiously detailed and exactingly executed. We were the kings of kitchen remodels. In 2009 we won the Wolf Sub Zero kitchen residential design competition (an international competition with over 2,000 entries). We leveraged that award to do several great kitchen remodels and additions. That turned into a few fine new residences in which we honed our modernist esthetic with net-zero energy technology. (There is nothing like a recession to drive home the value of small, well-designed spaces that are energy miserly).

5. What approaches to development and design would you say set Arch11 apart?

We have a lineage unlike many architecture firms. The three partners -- James Trewitt, Ken Andrews and myself -- all have balanced our architectural education with years of experience as (craftspeople) making buildings. Additionally, we each taught, or continue to teach, at the university level. This combination of practical skill and academic abstraction allows a unique praxis.

On development projects, we are in early not only developing design and financial feasibility studies of properties, but also looking at demographics and market analysis in how to develop a brand that sets itself apart from the mainstream both in concept and physical design. We have also cultivated a good working relationship with the city planning and development office fostering a collaborative atmosphere to make each project the best possible.

As architects, we don't hand off drawings to a builder and then disappear. We are intimately involved with the project, working with fabricators and craftspersons, we draw and detail every corner, screw and material. In order for a design -- be it a house or restaurant -- every detail must support the overarching concept. That is the only way to have exceptional design.

Boulder is pretty good at producing rock bands, and by "rock," we mean the in-your-face, guitar-heavy, leather-clad variety — you know, the good kind. For a prime example, look no farther than BANDITS. Full Story